Mike Ekstrom promoted to the Fort Wayne Wizards

Denis Savage

08/21/2004

The San Diego Padres have moved right-handed pitcher Michael Ekstrom from the Eugene Emeralds to the Fort Wayne Wizards.

Michael Ekstrom takes over the roster spot of infielder Baudilio Figueroa who was sent down to Eugene on Friday. Figueroa appeared in eight games for the Wizards and hit .115 in 26 at-bats with one home run, three runs scored and three runs batted in.

Ekstrom was the Padres' 12th Round Selection in the June 2004 Amateur Draft. Ekstrom spent two seasons with the Oregon State Beavers of the Pac-10 before transferring to Point Loma Nazarene University. Prior to moving to Point Loma, Ekstrom appeared in 41 games for Oregon State and was a Pac-10 Academic Honorable.

Ekstrom was 3-1 with a 3.69 earned run average in 12 appearances, including seven starts for the Emeralds before being promoted. In 39 innings, he allowed 38 hits and 10 walks, while striking out 42. Opponents were hitting only .248 off one of the newest Padres draft picks.

Ekstrom's addition to the roster brings the total number of players used this season to 52.

In addition, infielder Justin Smyres has switched his uniform number from 35 to 3.